Beijing Issues Sandstorm Alert as Dust and Smog Hit

Just in time for spring, Beijing has issued weather alerts as a nasty combination of sand, dust and smog hit the city this week.

The capital was blanketed in a dusty haze yesterday as a sandstorm originating from the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia arrived. On Sunday, the Beijing Environmental Protection Monitoring Center issued a sandstorm warning, effective through Wednesday, April 19.

PM2.5 levels hit around 250 micrograms per cubic meter on Monday, according to the South China Morning Post. Conditions gradually improved by the evening as strong winds blew pollutants towards the East China Sea. 

Weather authorities issued a blue alert for wind on last night and warned that sand might hit some parts of the city again today. At present, air quality remains "moderate."

Like catkins, sandstorms are a common occurrence during the spring, when strong winds hit Beijing. But the combination of sand and smog is a bit unusual, as pollution particles typically disperse with the wind.

Our advice is to keep your facemask handy during sandstorm season.

[Images via Beijing News, Panaramio]